Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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383. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the draft national policy for aviation in Ireland, if his attention has been drawn to concerns that the proposed provision to enable non-EU or US airlines collect passengers at airports here for onward travel to the US will have negative consequences for EU airlines which have, in many cases, better working terms and conditions for staff and which respect employment and equality legislation; the rationale underpinning the proposal; and if there are sufficient safeguards to ensure that airlines will operate and compete on a fair basis. [39248/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The draft National Aviation Policy was published in May 2014 following an extensive public consultation process in 2013. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft policy takes account of the submissions received.

On the issue of fifth freedom traffic rights for airlines, the majority of submissions received favoured the adoption of a liberal approach, in the interests of connectivity and competition. The draft policy proposes that a liberal approach should be taken by my Department to any requests from non-EU and non-US airlines to serve routes to/from Ireland where there is a clear benefit for Ireland and the travelling public. The proposal also refers to the need to take account of EU criteria on fair competition.

It should be pointed out that any service between Ireland and the US by a third country airline would also require the approval of the US authorities. The US has traditionally had a liberal policy on such matters and has 'open skies' agreements with over 100 countries worldwide, most of which provide for fifth freedom rights.

Submissions in response to the draft policy were invited up to the end of July and over 70 were received.

Many of the submissions outline views on the issue of fifth freedom rights, both for and against, and these will be fully considered in finalising the Policy. 

The intention is that the National Aviation Policy will be finalised and adopted before the end of the year.